Pizza is a panacea for my 18-year-old son with Asperger's Syndrome.
For more than a decade our family has ordered pizza on Friday night. A medium Dominos pepperoni pizza on hand-tossed crust provides "a semblance of balance and control in my life," according to Stephen. When our ritual is unexpectedly altered, it's a crushing blow for my son who depends on consistency.
About a year ago we had a severe storm that knocked out power to half the city on a Friday night. When I explained to Stephen that Dominos did not have electricity and couldn't make pizza, the disappointment was overwhelming. Despite my promise to order pizza the following night, Stephen was too depressed to face the evening and went to bed at 6 pm.
It concerns me that missing an occasional pizza night can send Stephen into a tail spin. On the other hand, the joy in his face every time he sits on the couch and opens the box holding his precious pizza is priceless.
About a year ago we had a severe storm that knocked out power to half the city on a Friday night. When I explained to Stephen that Dominos did not have electricity and couldn't make pizza, the disappointment was overwhelming. Despite my promise to order pizza the following night, Stephen was too depressed to face the evening and went to bed at 6 pm.
It concerns me that missing an occasional pizza night can send Stephen into a tail spin. On the other hand, the joy in his face every time he sits on the couch and opens the box holding his precious pizza is priceless.
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